United For Purpose in Gonjaland (U.F.P.G), a youth group in Damongo has declared a peaceful demonstration set for Sunday, July 21, 2024, to address concerns over the political misuse of chieftaincy institutions.
The protest, organized by convener Yussif Seidu Arimiyaw, aims to combat the increasing trend of politicians leveraging sacred palaces for personal and partisan agendas.
The convener, Mr. Seidu Aremeyaw in a press conference held in Damongo on Saturday, 20th July, 2024, stated that recent incidents have highlighted politicians, disguised as neutral figures, manipulating chieftaincy issues to attack opponents and gain political advantage.
According to him, a notable instance involves the exploitation of the Damongo chieftaincy issue to undermine the efforts of Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Damongo and Minister for Land and Natural Resources.
Arimiyaw emphasized that the community has seen significant development in recent years, largely due to the efforts of Jinapor.
He said the U. F. P. G. insist that politicians should engage in substantive, issue-based campaigns rather than resorting to divisive tactics involving chieftaincy and tribal matters.
He emphasized that the demonstration is also a stand against the rise of “Chieftaincypreneurs” – individuals who claim influence within palaces to serve partisan interests, thereby disrespecting cultural heritage.
He said the U.F.P.G. is dedicated to youth development, and stressed the importance of maintaining the sanctity and integrity of chieftaincy institutions in Gonjaland.
He disclosed that a formal notification of the demonstration has been submitted to the Ghana Police Service, with the protest scheduled to commence at 10:00 am from the Damongo Community Centre and therefore calling on the community, especially the youth, to join in preserving their cultural institutions from political exploitation.
The during press conference, the U.F.P.G. urged all stakeholders to respect the sanctity of chieftaincy institutions and prioritize the interests of the youth, reinforcing a community where cultural heritage is upheld.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
